The Enigma Of Life
is the fifth stunning magnum opus of sheer artistry from the mighty Sirenia of Norway. Presenting gothic metak in its finest hour, founding member Morten Veland has crafted a thrilling masterwork that will remain within your senses long after the disc spins to its devastating conclusion. Lead vocalist Ailyn makes her second appearance with Sirenia, and her emotional operatic singing is pure magic. We recently interview Ailyn to find out more about the new Sirenia effort, her background, an appearance on X Factor, and other topics of intrigue…

How did you wind up contacting Sirenia and what was the audition process like?
Actually they contacted me because my sister sent to them a friend request on Myspace. We didn’t knew that they was searching for a new singer so was a big surprise when I got their email asking if I was interested to do an audition. In January 2008 I went to Norway and made the first audition with Morten in the studio, I was 4 or 5 days with him and I sang some songs from Nine Destinies And A Downfall and some demos of the songs that are now part of the album The 13th Floor. After the audition Morten told me I would have to wait some time because he was still doing the same audition to other girls. In February he contacted me again to ask me if I wanted a second audition, but this time with the full band. J We did a fake-live show (without public) to record in video and they later could watch it to see how we worked together. The experience was great!
Is there any story or concept behind the CD title The Enigma Of Life?
Morten composed the tracks from the album as he’s always done with all Sirenia albums, so the stories behind each song are only known by him and he never reveals his inspirations. He prefers each person to give the meaning they want. So I could give you my opinion, but I don’t want it to be like a statement of the real meaning, so I’ll keep it to myself.
Do you still live in Spain, and if so, how does the distance make for Sirenia rehearsals?
No, I moved to Norway just a month ago. I was living in Spain but I thought that would be much better for the band if I live in Norway, so we can rehearsal more often. Before we could not rehearse every time that we would have liked but I think that problem is already solved.
Prior to your work with Morten, had you heard of Sirenia or his previous band Tristania, and if so, what did you think of them?
I would like to say that I knew Sirenia from before I joined the band, but I started to listen to Morten’s music when I discovered Sirenia on Myspace and it was more or less a month before they contacted me to make the first audition. And I like both band’s, I cannot say that I don’t like Tristania just because I’m the singer in Sirenia, because I like them too.
What was the experience like when you performed live with Sirenia for the very first time?
My first show with Sirenia it was in a small venue on Kristiandsand, Norway, I was nervous but the place was comfortable, so the experience was great. The second time that I played with the band was on Masters Of Rock, Czech Republic, I never had a show in front of so many people before so when was our turn and we went to the stage and I saw all those people together I though “OH MY GOD!!” At first I thought I was going to faint!!! My legs were shaking!!!! But the experience was amazing!!!
How is it like being on the road with a bunch of metal guys when you go on tour?
Hahaha I think there’s just one word to describe how it is… Funny!!! I really enjoy when we are on tour!! I’m looking forward to it.
Do you like other female fronted metal bands such as Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, or Arch Enemy?
Yes, of course!! I really like all of them, each of them has something special, so I enjoy listening to their music.
What was the experience like being on the Spanish version of X Factor?
Well the experience on X Factor was nice. I learned a lot of things. I had not too much experience on the stage before I was on this program. I also met a lot of nice people so I think was good.
Have you met the previous Sirenia vocalist Henriette Bordvik and what do you think of her vocal work?
Yes I met Henriette Bordvik on Norway Rock in 2009 after our show. I like her vocal work, a lot. She have a beautiful and sweet voice and I love it! Well, I guess I like the work of all the previous vocalists.
You have an amazing voice! What kind of vocal training have you had and who are some of your influences?
Thanks!!! When I was 15 years old I started to take lessons of classical singing. But I had to leave the school for personal reasons. Some years later I took some lessons apart.
What could one expect from a live Sirenia show?
You can expect a nice evening, listening to good music! We always go to the stage trying to do our best to make the people enjoy the same like we enjoy while we are playing!
Any chance of Sirenia coming over to the States to do some shows?
Well I’m not sure if there’s any chance to go to play to the States yet. But we would love to go to play there!!! And if it’s possible we are going to try to make it happen!!! Would be amazing!!!!
Any messages for metal fans here in the States?
I would like to say Thanks to all of you for your support! I hope I could see you all on tour.